Entertainment Highlights in History

Published 8:00 pm, Tuesday, February 12, 2002

In 1970, singer Joni Mitchell announced her retirement from live performances. She was back to doing shows within the year.

In 1974, Cher filed for separation from Sonny Bono after 10 years of marriage.

In 1978, The Police starred in a TV commercial for Wrigley's chewing gum. The ad was made a few months before the band's single "Roxanne" was released in the United Kingdom.

In 1979, The Clash kicked off its first U.S. tour in New York.

In 1988, in Hollywood, Florida, a 12-year-old Motley Crue fan set his legs on fire while trying to imitate a stunt in the group's "Live Wire" video. He suffered burns over 10 percent of his body. Motley Crue said the band's stunts should not be tried at home.

In 1989, the first heavy metal Grammy was given out. Jethro Tull won.

In 1992, fans rushed the stage at a New Kids on the Block concert in Seoul, South Korea, crushing people at the front of the crowd. A 17-year-old girl died the next day of injuries suffered in the stampede. The singers were not injured.

In 1994, a judge in Los Angeles dismissed a lawsuit that Martha Raye brought against Bette Midler. Raye had said Midler stole her life story for the movie "For the Boys."

In 1995, Bruce Springsteen performed live with the E Street Band for the first time in seven years.

In 1997, the Trinity Broadcasting Network canceled Pat Boone's "GospelAmerica" show after viewers complained about Boone's appearance on the American Music Awards. He had been promoting his "In a Metal Mood" album by wearing a dog collar and black leather. The show later was reinstated.

In 2001, Steely Dan won their first Grammys ever, including album of the year for "Two Against Nature." They beat out Eminem's "The Marshall Mathers LP," which had generated controversy for its lyrics.